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Fourth grader uses pageant platform to help kids in crisis BY REBECCA LEFTWICH becky@newnan.com
K
ayla Hedden, 9, understands how important a stuffed animal friend can be to a frightened child.A few years ago, Kayla became ill and was hospitalized at Egleston for several days. To help her feel less afraid, her dad, Steve, brought her favorite stuffed animal – a monkey named Coconut – from home to keep her company. “In a way, it felt like he was protecting me from getting sicker,” said Kayla. Coconut was soon joined by more stuffed friends, gifts from well-wishers to aid in a speedy recovery. “Each one of them was special and provided support during a scary time,” said Kayla’s mom, Angela. After Kayla recovered, she decided to use her experience to help other children in crisis. She had begun competing in – and winning – pageants with community service components, and providing comfort to hospitalized kids seemed like a perfect fit. “Kayla decided she wanted to make sure all kids had a stuffed an-
KOCONUTS • 2
PHOTO BY REBECCA LEFTWICH
Kayla Hedden, 2021-22 Royal International Miss Role Model Sweetheart, donates handmade stuffed animals to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office for distribution to children in crisis. At left is Inv. Toby Nix and at right is Sheriff Lenn Wood.
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AUGUST 11, 2021